CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns (2-8) are set to host their AFC North rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2), for Thursday Night Football in a matchup featuring two teams heading in opposite directions.
While the Steelers are currently sitting atop the AFC North, the Browns remain in the basement, with head coach Kevin Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry potentially fighting to save their jobs.
Game info, how to watch on TV, betting line
Date: Thursday, Nov. 21
Time: 8:15 p.m.
Location: Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland
TV channel: Prime Video and Channel 5
Radio: ESPN 850, 92.3 The Fan, 98.5 WNCX
Betting line: -4 Steelers / +4 Browns
Over-under point total: 39
Buy tickets HERE
Preview
All eyes will be on the “Turnpike Rivalry” as the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns kick off under the lights in primetime Thursday Night Football action.
The Russell Wilson-led Steelers come into this divisional clash with plenty of momentum. They secured a hard-fought win on Sunday over the reigning AFC North champions, the Baltimore Ravens, to sit alone atop the division. Pittsburgh is coming into Cleveland riding a five-game win streak
The Browns, on the other hand, are aiming to rebound from a tough 35-14 road loss to the New Orleans Saints, who outscored Cleveland 21-0 in the fourth quarter to turn a tight game into a blowout.
Following Deshaun Watson's season-ending Achilles injury, Cleveland's offense has shown some flashes of brilliance with backup quarterback Jameis Winston, who threw for 395 yards and two touchdowns in his return to New Orleans.
But throughout the season, the Browns have struggled to score, averaging a mere 16.2 points per game. Now, their offense will face a suffocating Steelers defense.
Pittsburgh’s defense, led by standout pass rusher T.J. Watt, remains a formidable force, allowing only 16.2 points per game, the second-least in the NFL. They also possess one of the league’s best-run defenses, allowing only 90.8 rushing yards per game.
The Browns face a daunting challenge against Watt and the Steelers' other fierce edge rushers. With both starting tackles Jedrick Wills Jr. and Dawand Jones injured, the offensive line's vulnerability will likely lead to increased pressure on Winston.
Pittsburgh’s offense is powered by Wilson's steady quarterback play and a consistent ground attack from Najee Harris. In addition, the Steelers boast one of the best wideouts, George Pickens, who ranks third in the NFL for receiving yards with 728.
Despite the Steelers' impressive 8-2 record, their offense has consistently struggled to find the red zone this season. Sunday's game against the Ravens highlighted this issue, as kicker Chris Boswell accounted for all 18 of Pittsburgh's points, converting six field goals.
The Browns’ defense, led by Myles Garrett, must contain the Steelers' physical rushing game and dynamic passing threats in order to spoil Pittsburgh’s trip to Cleveland.
